The Benton Police Department will be conducting a warrant sweep during the month of March.  The intent of this operation is to clear out a backlog of warrants currently held by our department.  We currently have 2,971 misdemeanor and 54 felony warrants on file with a total of $1,851,597.78 worth of fines assigned to them.

    Our officers will be making a concentrated effort to serve these warrants.  Anyone who knows or thinks they may have a warrant is encouraged to make contact with the police department immediately.  By contacting us they may be able to avoid additional fees such as impounding their vehicle if they are arrested on a traffic stop.  Also, by turning themselves in they can eliminate an embarrassing situation of being arrested in front of friends or family, or by being contacted at their place of employment.  If a person turns themselves in at the police department, they stand a chance of being released with a court date and not being incarcerated. 

    Most of these warrants are misdemeanor charges that we notify citizens about by mailing them a postcard.  We are announcing this warrant sweep as a public service to them and as a reminder to take care of it.  Our officers are always attempting to serve the serious misdemeanor and felony warrants year round, which is evident by the drop in felony warrants since this time last year (54 vs. 71). 

    During this operation last year our officers were able to serve 292 misdemeanor and 11 felony warrants.  The total in fines collected during that period was $29,479.26.  

    Anyone who thinks they may have a warrant is encouraged to contact the Benton Police Department either by phone at 501-776-5948 or to come by in person at 114 S. East Street (below the Benton Municipal Building) to take care of it.  If you know of someone who might have an outstanding warrant then you are encouraged to call the Benton Police Department tip line at 501-315-TIPS.